Alabama enters the CFB Playoff chasing another national title, but the stakes extend well beyond the scoreboard. Several Crimson Tide players already appearing on early 2026 NFL Draft big boards, or trending toward that conversation, will perform under the brightest lights the sport offers. With postseason pressure at its peak, NFL scouts will be focused on poise, discipline and adaptability as much as raw production.
Simpson leads the evaluation at quarterback
Quarterback Ty Simpson sits at the center of Alabama’s 2026 NFL Draft conversation and has emerged as one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the class. His appeal begins with physical tools. Simpson owns a live arm capable of attacking all areas of the field, driving throws outside the numbers and fitting the ball into intermediate windows without needing a perfect base. His release is compact and repeatable, allowing him to maintain velocity even when forced to speed up his mechanics.
What has elevated Simpson’s draft profile is growth in processing and command. He has become more decisive pre-snap, showing improved recognition of coverage rotations and pressure looks. He’s more comfortable setting protections and getting the offense into favorable situations, a subtle but critical part of quarterback evaluation at the NFL level. Post-snap, his eyes stay active, and he’s shown a better feel for moving from his first read to secondary options without panic.
Simpson’s athleticism adds another layer. He’s not a run-first quarterback, but he’s mobile enough to extend plays, reset his platform and punish defenses that lose contain. That functional movement turns broken plays into positive or manageable outcomes, a trait that consistently shows up on NFL evaluation sheets.
Accuracy remains the swing trait, but the trend line is encouraging. Simpson has improved his ball placement on timing routes and throws over the middle, delivering catchable passes that allow receivers to stay in stride when his feet are set. The remaining area scouts will continue to monitor is consistency under heavy interior pressure, where his mechanics can drift.
The CFB Playoff stage magnifies all of these elements. With faster defenses, tighter windows and little margin for error, Simpson’s ability to maintain composure and efficiency could further solidify his standing near the top of the 2026 quarterback board.
Proctor and Roberts set the tone up front
Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor remains Alabama’s most established 2026 NFL Draft prospect and consistently appears near the top of early big boards at his position. His size and strength show up immediately on film, allowing him to control defenders in the run game and anchor against edge rushers in pass protection.
Alongside him, guard Jaeden Roberts continues to build intrigue as a powerful interior presence. Roberts brings functional strength and a physical demeanor that fits NFL guard evaluations, particularly in the run game. Playoff fronts stress communication and footwork, making this a key evaluation setting for interior linemen.
Lawson carries the defense’s identity
Linebacker Deontae Lawson continues to embody Alabama’s defensive standard and remains on the NFL Draft radar. He diagnoses quickly, plays downhill and finishes tackles with authority. His value comes from reliability, both against the run and in coverage, where he shows comfort working in space.
CFB Playoff offenses are designed to stress linebackers with tempo and misdirection. Lawson’s ability to remain aggressive while staying disciplined will factor heavily into his long-term NFL Draft evaluation.
Overton out, responsibility shifts to Keenan
One notable absence looms along Alabama’s defensive line. Defensive lineman LT Overton is out for the game, removing one of the Tide’s more intriguing 2026 NFL Draft-eligible prospects from the postseason stage.
That places added emphasis on defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, who has flashed power and interior disruption throughout the season. With playoff opponents often attacking inside gaps, Keenan’s ability to anchor against the run and generate push as a pass rusher will be closely watched by NFL evaluators.
Secondary depth under the spotlight
In the secondary, cornerback Domani Jackson continues to build his NFL Draft case. His speed and length allow Alabama to play aggressively on the perimeter, though consistency at the catch point remains an area scouts will monitor.
Cornerback Cam Calhoun adds another NFL Draft-eligible name to the group, bringing size and physicality on the outside. His discipline in coverage and ability to finish plays will be tested in a playoff environment that often isolates corners.
At safety, safety Keon Sabb and safety Bray Hubbard bring contrasting skill sets that both carry NFL Draft intrigue. Sabb offers range, physicality and experience in coverage, while Hubbard continues to develop as a versatile defender with instincts and toughness. Communication and angles become critical under playoff tempo, placing both players under close evaluation.
Bernard and Cuevas round out the skill group
Wide receiver Germie Bernard wins with polish rather than flash, relying on sharp routes, strong hands and toughness over the middle. CFB Playoff games often favor receivers who can convert in traffic and sustain drives, a role that fits Bernard’s skill set well and appeals to NFL scouts.
Tight end Josh Cuevas adds another NFL Draft-eligible name to monitor. Cuevas brings size and athleticism evaluators look for at the position, particularly as a matchup piece in the passing game. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker under postseason pressure will shape his ongoing NFL Draft evaluation.
The CFB Playoff offers Alabama’s 2026 NFL Draft prospects more than a chance to advance. It serves as a measuring stick under the sport’s brightest spotlight. With expectations high and margins thin, how these players respond could shape early draft conversations long before their names officially enter the NFL pipeline.
